# confidential

/ˌkɑnfəˈdɛnʃəɫ/ (US) · /kˌɒnfɪdˈɛnʃəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/confidential
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. secret

adjective · CEFR B2

meant to be kept secret and not told to other people.

For teachers: intended to be kept secret or private; restricted to a specific circle of individuals.

- The doctor kept all of his patient's medical records in a confidential file.
- The legal team reminded all staff that the details of the settlement were strictly confidential and could not be discussed with the press.

Usage: Often used in professional contexts like law, medicine, and business.

### 2. trustworthy

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic

someone who is trusted with secrets or a job that requires great trust.

For teachers: occupying a position of trust or being worthy of being trusted with private information.

- He served as a confidential clerk to the governor for many years.
- In the nineteenth-century novel, the protagonist relies heavily on his confidential servant to manage his private affairs and delicate correspondence.

### 3. intimate tone

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

speaking in a quiet, private way as if sharing a secret.

For teachers: characterised by the sharing of confidences or an intimate, private manner of communication.

- She leaned in and spoke in a low, confidential whisper.
- The two friends retreated to the corner of the library, their voices dropping into the confidential tone of those sharing long-held secrets.

## Examples

- Please keep this information confidential.
- The doctor reminded the staff that all patient records are strictly confidential and must be stored in a locked cabinet.
- While the general terms of the merger were announced to the press, the specific financial details remained confidential until the final contracts were signed by both parties.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.